The Rise of Christianity

Christianity Christianity was the official religion of the Roman Empire by the emperor Constantine. Constantine- Edict of Milan in 313, which fully legalized Christianity in the Empire, for the first time Christianity reshaped Roman beliefs and became the central institution of western civilization for nearly 1,000 years

Religious Diversity There was still a lot of religious diversity in the Roman Empire. Some people worshipped mystery religions where they had secret rituals. However, despite these odd religions, the empire was still very accepting of Christianity. This was because they had been polytheistic for a very long time.

Judea In AD 66 there was a revolt when the Jewish people in Judea went against Roman rule. They were squashed by the powerful Roman army and many Jewish people were killed.

Jesus Jesus was born around 7 BC- AD 4 and taught the message of the Jewish tradition. However, He testified to the Trinity and salvation through grace by faith in Him, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. He was ordered to death by the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. After his death, he was seen, taught for a little longer, and then ascended into heaven.

Jesus’s Disciples Following his death, his disciples began establishing Christian communities. After a while, Christianity became a central faith often associated with the Jewish religion. Paul, a Jew from Asia Minor, had the largest influence on the spread of Christianity. He traveled all over the Roman Empire, explaining and expanding Jesus’s teachings.

Jesus’s Disciples Judas Peter James John Matthew Mark Luke Thomas Simon Andrew Phillip Bartholomew Paul

Persecution of Christians Christians were persecuted by some Roman officials. Many Roman leaders killed Christians. These people were called martyrs- someone who suffers or dies for their beliefs. Peter and Paul were both persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ by the Emperor Nero.

Early Christian Beliefs/Practices A Christian community shared a common faith and began churches. Baptism began as representation and a proclamation of believers- they were now forgiven of their sins They also ate bread and drank wine in a sacred meal called the Communion. Women were much more equal in this religion and were teachers and administrators in church.

Beliefs Each church had a priest, with a bishop having authority over him. The most important bishops of the Roman Empire were called patriarchs. They were in Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Constantinople. After the Roman Empire declined, the Christian church took the place of ruling over the people in the area.